The lived experience of physically active older prostate cancer survivors on androgen deprivation therapy

Abstract

This study sought to explore the lived experiences of physically active prostate cancer survivors on androgen deprivation therapy (ADT), who exercise individually. Three older men (74–88 years old) with prostate cancer, using ADT continuously for at least 12 months and regularly exercising for at least 6 months, participated in this qualitative pilot study, informed by interpretive phenomenology. Data were gathered using individual semi-structured interviews, audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. Coherent stories were drawn from each transcript and analyzed using iterative and interpretive methods. van Manen’s lifeworld existentials provided a framework for interpreting across the research text. Three notions emerged: Getting started, Having a routine and Being with music. Together they reveal what drew the participants to exercising regularly despite the challenges associated with their cancer and treatments. This study provides insights into the benefits of, and what it means for, older men with prostate cancer to regularly exercise individually. These findings may assist cancer clinicians and other allied health professionals to be more attuned to prostate cancer survivors’ lived experiences when undergoing ADT, allowing clinicians to better promote regular exercise to their patients as a foundational component of living well.

• Cancer survivorship
• exercise
• hormonal therapy
• interpretive phenomenology
• older men
• qualitative research

Acknowledgements

We acknowledge the participants in this study and to the urologist who assisted with recruitment.